Roy Lewis road tests the new VW Golf Estate 1.4-litre TSi SE 6-speed manual (From Hereford Times)

Roy Lewis road tests the new VW Golf Estate 1.4-litre TSi SE 6-speed manual

7:00am Saturday 16th January 2010 in

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WHEN you want extra space for the growing family you don’t always need to buy a bigger car or plump for a multi-purpose holdall.

Take a look at the estate market which has been serving the motorist for generations. The early load luggers were often stretched versions of popular saloons but the modern equivalent is a far cry from those early offerings, being individual, far more stylish, better engineered and equipped to fit your lifestyle.

Take the new Golf estate, a great family car and arguably more stylish than the hatch counterpart. This latest estate takes its styling cues from the mark VI hatch, which is no bad thing since the model is a world away from earlier podgy predecessors.

The estate boasts new engines which contribute significantly to improvements in fuel economy and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, the Blue Motion model with the 1.6-litre diesel returns 67.3mpg on the combined cycle and a class-leading 109 g/km of C02, which not only puts the car in VED band B but means it falls below the 121 g/km company car tax threshold – leading to potential savings for company car drivers of more than £1,000 over three years.

However, while the Blue Motion technology models are proving a big draw, many private motorists are looking to the petrol units for value for money.

Besides three excellent diesels in the new engine line-up, there are two petrol – an entry-level 105PS TSi 1.2-litre which goes on sale in the spring and the existing 1.4-litre TSi with a strong 122PS.

The 1.4-litre will surprise you. Not necessarily because it has a more handsome exterior, largely from new frontal alterations which give the car a classier presence, but because of the engine’s nimbleness and general driving qualities. The engine advancements are largely responsible for producing a motor which is always enjoyable to drive.

The 1.4-litre has impressive acceleration, a top speed of 125mph and a combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg which makes for an excellent combination.

The on-the-road price of £18,980 for the SE model is not cheap but you are paying for quality and an extensive standard equipment list which boasts the latest technology. The car’s solid residuals also help to make it a sound ownership proposition.

The unit offers smooth vigour that makes it a quick overtaker and a relaxing cruiser on the motorway, where the fairly long-legged six-speed manual gearbox proves particularly useful.

The key to the success of the TSi motor is that direct injection allows an abnormally high compression ratio to be used in conjunction with high maximum boost pressure. This enables the relatively small engine to use long gearing and provide excellent fuel efficiency, particularly while cruising.

The estate is comfortable and rides even better with some weight in the rear to show that practicality needn’t compromise a very good chassis.

Inside, the interior is unrivalled in this class of car. There is an air of ambience about the Golf with big and well-shaped seats and a near perfect driving position available to just about all shapes and sizes.

The cabin is quiet and good to live with and the layout is also easy on the eye, modern and including all the latest hi-tech wizardry motorists will be looking for.

Leg room in the rear is reasonable but with the front seats back a little, it is not as generous as some more recent arrivals. However, the boot and load area is spacious and well shaped with the rear seats splitting to take extra clutter.

All the models have extensive equipment lists as standard and as one might expect from VW, safety and security features are paramount. The SE safety items include ABS braking with hydraulic assist and electronic stabilisation, which includes differential lock and traction control, and a curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers.

There is climatic semi-automatic air-conditioning and stylish alloy wheels to add to the looks. And to make your estate even more luxurious, there is additional optional equipment which includes a touch screen navigation/radio system, park assist and parking sensors, a multi-function steering wheel and leather upholstery.

At-a-glance

New VW Golf Estate 1.4-litre TSi SE 6-speed manual.

Price: £18,980 (on the road).

Top speed: 125mph.

0-62mph: 9.9 seconds.

Fuel: 44.8mpg (combined figure).

CO 2 emissions (g/km): 146.

Verdict: Quality estate, unrivalled interior, practical, comfortable, safe, excellent performance with economy and well equipped.